Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is set to completely overhaul the iconic Priyadarshini Market Complex at CRPF Square, transforming the aging commercial hub into a state-of-the-art shopping destination.
The decision followed a high-level site visit on Friday by Housing and Urban Development and BDA Chairman Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who interacted directly with local shop owners to discuss the future of the facility. He was accompanied by Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana, and other senior officials.
Originally constructed by the BDA in 1987, the market complex has served the city for nearly four decades.
“A preliminary assessment of the decades-old structure indicated that repeated repairs would not provide a sustainable long-term solution. Considering the condition of the building and future commercial needs, BDA has decided to redevelop the market complex with modern infrastructure and enhanced public amenities,” he said.
The market complex is spread over 1.44 acre and houses 152 shops, including 72 units on the ground floor and 80 on the first floor, along with 100 vending platforms (pindis), two restaurants, and five office spaces. The units were originally allotted to local traders on a monthly licence and rental basis.
Acknowledging the anxieties of the current occupants, Rana emphasised that the redevelopment plan was finalised only after multiple rounds of discussions with the allottees.He assured shop owners that the BDA will fully support them throughout the transition. The authority has committed to providing temporary relocation arrangements and compensation in accordance with established norms to minimise business disruption during the construction phase.
Beyond a structural facelift, the project aims to ensure optimum utilisation of the prime commercial land through the construction of a modern market complex equipped with adequate parking facilities, advanced fire safety systems, improved infrastructure, and better public facilities to significantly elevate the shopping experience for residents.
Furthermore, the expansion is expected to boost the city’s overall commercial ecosystem and unlock higher revenue streams for the development authority.
